MANILA, Philippines — A Jordanian and his partner were arrested for large-scale illegal recruitment by the National Bureau of Investigation at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Monday.

Ali Moh Khalil Tarrish and Myra Olor were about to leave for Davao when they were arrested after they allegedly swindled at least 100 jobseekers of more than P4 million, according to NBI chief Dante Gierran.

The complainants accused the two of promising them non-existent jobs as cleaners, helpers, drivers, janitors and waitresses in Dubai and charged processing fees ranging from P25,000 to P32,000.

Verification from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration showed the suspects were not authorized to recruit.

The victims were also at the airport for their scheduled flight when they found out that their travel documents were fake.

When US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited last week, he made assurances his country would come to the Philippines’ defense in the event of an armed attack on our vessels and aircraft in the South China Sea.

President Duterte and visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad emphasized yesterday the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea in maintaining peace and progress in the region, which is grappling with territorial disputes as well as China’s muscle-flexing.